It has been a couple of days now since the OnePlus 5 was announced. And there has been a lot of noise everywhere (literally) about the specs and how it compares to expensive flagships.

Yes the OnePlus 5 is good. And reasonably priced. I am not denying that it is a spec-packed device, or that it promises a lot. But hadn’t everyone heard of the ZTE Nubia Z17 that comes with 8GB RAM, Snapdragon 835, Quick Charge 4+ and 128GB internal storage?

OnePlus 5 Specifications:

5.5 inch full HD Display
Snapdragon 835 Processor
6GB or 8GB RAM, 64GB or 128GB Storage
16MP plus 20MP Rear Cameras
16MP front camera
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
3300mAh (with Dash charge)
Not water resistant
No IR Blaster

ZTE Nubia Z17 Specifications:

5.5 inch full HD Display
Snapdragon 835 Processor
6GB or 8GB RAM, 64GB or 128GB Storage
23MP plus 12MP Rear Cameras
16MP front camera
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
3200mAh (Quick charge 4+)
Water resistant
Supports Dolby Atmos
Has an IR Blaster
Bezel-less

So yeah, the OnePlus 5 isn’t unique in the 8GB RAM department with the 835 SoC. It is also not unique in the dual rear camera setup with incredibly high megapixels.

Which is better?

Of course I’d personally go for the OnePlus 5 since it seems easier to find, even cheaper for the higher-end version. Also, the OnePlus 5 promises software updates and the ability to tweak and customise device. I am not saying the ZTE doesn’t do this. Rather there’s much more promise with the OnePlus.

All that said, the ZTE Nubia Z17 still remains the better phone. It is waterproof, the audio must be so good and there’s an IR blaster. Also, those rear cameras are so good on paper. Plus it has a unique design and hasn’t copied anyone… Which one would you prefer? Which one is better?